United Nations Secretary-General's Message for 2013

As we mark International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I
call on Member States to step up efforts to assist all those who have
suffered from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment.
This year is also the 25th anniversary of the Committee
against Torture. This body -- along with other UN human rights
mechanisms such as the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the
Special Rapporteur on Torture -- is vital to strengthening a
victim-oriented approach that also includes a gender perspective. This
effort was further strengthened by the adoption this year of a UN Human
Rights Council resolution focussing on the rehabilitation of torture
victims.
I urge all Member States to accede to and fully implement
the Convention against Torture and support the United Nations Voluntary
Fund for Victims of Torture. Let us work together to end torture
throughout the world and ensure that countries provide reparation for
victims.

Ban Ki-moon

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for 2013

This year I visited the San Patrignano drug rehabilitation
centre in northern Italy where more than 1,200 young women and men from
28 countries are learning how to free themselves from the curse of
addiction and enjoy dignified, productive lives. Their road is not
easy. It demands courage, commitment and the compassion of dedicated
mentors. But the members of this inspiring community understand that
they are fortunate. All over the world, drugs threaten the health and
welfare of youth and children, families and communities, and the
billions of dollars generated by the drugs trade feed corruption,
enhance the power of criminal networks and create fear and
instability.

Illegal drug trafficking is a clear obstacle to development.
This cross-border problem requires a robust and coordinated law
enforcement response within and among countries. Tackling organized
crime and the illicit drugs trade is a shared responsibility. But the
rule of law is only part of the equation. For instance, farmers
dependent on the cultivation of illicit drugs such as coca, marijuana
and opium must be offered alternative livelihoods, while drug users and
addicts need help not stigmatization.

A human rights and science-based public health approach is the
only sound basis for preventing and treating addiction and related
consequences such as HIV transmission through unsafe injecting
practices. We must also address threats such as the emerging problem
of new psychoactive substances, many of which are not under
international control. Young people, in particular, must be made aware
of the dangers of these drugs.

On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking, I call on governments, the media and civil society to do
everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit
drugs and to help prevent people profiting from their use.

Events Organized for 2013

Sharing best practices in the implementation of the United Nations comprehensive framework on the world drug problem

Special event on “Sharing best practices in the implementation
of the United Nations comprehensive framework on the world drug
problem”, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Italy, Qatar and
Thailand and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, from 11:00 to 13:00, in Conference Room 1 (CB).
[All are invited to attend. For further information, please contact Ms. Anne Beckmann,
UNODC (e-mail: beckmann@un.org; tel. 1 (212) 963-5635).]

Radio series

UNODC has teamed up with a group of international teenagers to put
their questions about drugs to the experts. In this series of interviews
we put cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin under the spotlight. And
talk frankly about the production, trafficking and damaging effects of
these illicit drugs.
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Sunday, 23 June 2013

Day of the Seafarer is now being celebrated for the third time and we
hope that you will participate in the campaign and publicly thank
seafarers for their service and the sacrifices that they make.

The Day of the Seafarer is now being celebrated for third time , and our cause gathers greater support and grows in importance and relevance on each occasion.

This is reflected in the increasing number of people from the maritime sector, and beyond, that want to participate in the campaign and to publicly thank seafarers for their service and the sacrifices that they make.2013 is a landmark year for the seafaring community, as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC2006) enters into force in August. This marks significant progress in the recognition of seafarers’ roles and the need to safeguard their well-being and the working conditions.

For shipping companies, seafarers are the embodiment of their business and they are a critical asset. People within the maritime sector are familiar with the role of the seafarer. However, even they may not be completely aware of the sheer scale of effort that seafarers expend, and the physical and psychological challenges that they face. It is our responsibility ,as those that are working within this sector and close to the seafaring community, to lead the efforts to highlight seafarers’ importance and to thank them for what they do. Looking beyond the maritime sector, today’s consumers are increasingly demanding transparency across the supply chain. However, shipping’s role remains relatively hidden to consumers outside of the supply chain.

This year’s Day of the Seafarer campaign calls on all supply chain partners, including those beyond the maritime sector , to help highlight the sheer diversity and scale of products that travel by sea, which are used in everyday life, and to recognize the importance of the people that deliver them; more than 1.5 million seafarers.Seafarers operate on the ‘front line’ of the shipping industry, and this year’s campaign theme, Faces of the Sea, aims to highlight the individuals that are often unseen, but who work to deliver more than 90% of the world’s goods. We will ask the seafarers themselves to show us snapshots of their daily life at sea, to give them a voice and share their story on a global stage, via social media.

This year’s theme, Faces of the Sea, aims to ensure that the efforts and sacrifices made by seafarers, often in lonely conditions, are recognized by the general public. Establishing seafarers in the forefront of global awareness will take time and is a gradual process. But Day of the Seafarer aims to do just this, and to continue the proactive steps that are being taken by our progressive maritime partners to ensure that our seafarers receive the thanks, recognition and working standards that they truly deserve.

This year's theme for Day of the Seafarer isFaces of the Sea. It is a natural evolution from last yearʼs successful theme of ʻIt came by sea and I canʼt live without itʼ. Fundamentally it moves the theme to bringing the campaign back to the unsung heroes of shipping – the seafarers themselves and literally spotlights the human face of shipping and the sacrifices that seafarers make.
Like in previous years, your participation will be key to the success of this campaign and we will invite you to voice your support using social media.
For example, we will ask you to take a picture of yourself, or ask a colleague to take it, from a ship while working at sea or in port in a situation that surprises, or that inspires those that rarely consider what its like to be at sea. Post to any of the IMO’s social media channels, telling us how many days you have spent at sea this year and why you posted this picture.
But this is just a small glimpse of what we have in store, so stay tuned for more information on how to get involved, our toolkits will be available in a few days.
In the meantime, feel free to download our campaign's branding and start spreading the words.

A new multi-agency study, led by the World Bank and the International
Energy Agency, was presented at the Vienna Energy Forum 2013. The Global
Tracking Framework report charts the course to achieve universal energy
access, double the use of renewable energy and improve energy
efficiency.

This report is the first of a series to monitor progress towards the
three objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. It puts
numbers to each objective, identifies what needs to change, and outlines
how progress can be made.

The UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative
establishes three global objectives to be accomplished by 2030: to
achieve universal access to modern energy services, to double the global
rate of improvement in energy efficiency, and to double the share of
renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Sustaining momentum for the
achievement of the SE4ALL objectives will require a means of charting
global progress over the years leading to 2030. This Global Tracking
Framework establishes for the first time a methodology and data platform
for regular global reporting against the three SE4ALL objectives.
Construction of the necessary framework has been coordinated by the
World Bank/Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), in collaboration with 13 other
agencies. The process has benefited from public consultation with more
than a hundred stakeholder groups.

Saturday, 22 June 2013

Global economic activity is projected to slowly gain momentum, but
growth will continue to be below potential and employment gains will
remain weak, says the UN report, launched today. It notes that since
late 2012, new policy initiatives in major developed economies have
reduced systemic risks and helped stabilize consumer, business and
investor confidence, but with very limited improvement on economic
growth.

"We have identified three major economic risks," said Pingfan Hong,
Director of the Global Economic Monitoring Unit of DESA's Development
Policy and Analysis Division, as the World Economic Outlook for 2013 was
revealed on 18 December 2012. Mr. Hong pointed to the deterioration of
the euro crisis, the US fiscal cliff and a possible hard landing for
some large developing countries.

"To mitigate these risks,
policymakers worldwide are greatly challenged," underscored Mr. Hong,
also describing how the world economy is still struggling to recover
five years after the eruption of the global financial crisis.

The
first chapter of the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2013 (WESP)
just launched, outlines that growth of the world economy has weakened
considerably during 2012 and is expected to remain restrained in the
coming two years. "A number of developed economies in Europe and Japan
have already fallen into a double-dip recession," explained Mr. Hong.

The
report also predicts that global economy is expected to grow at 2.4 per
cent in 2013 and 3.2 per cent in 2014, a significant downgrade from the
forecast six months ago. This growth pace will not be enough to
overcome the continued jobs crisis faced by many countries. With
existing policies and growth trends, it may take at least another five
years for Europe and the United States to make up for the job losses
caused by the Great Recession of 2008-2009.

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for 2013

The United Nations has long recognized the importance of good
governance and efficient public administration. Current global
consultations on the post-2015 agenda have further underscored their
centrality to all development objectives.
United Nations Public Service Day encourages countries to
celebrate the contribution of public servants to society’s progress.
Addressing today’s inter-linked challenges requires sound,
forward-looking public policies and transparent, accountable governance
structures that embody solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable.
The 2013 United Nations Public Service Awards show how public
services can be delivered more efficiently, innovatively and
equitably. The winners demonstrate the basic ingredients for
excellence: commitment and accountability, hard work and innovation,
talent and technological know-how.
I encourage public servants around the world to work in the same
spirit to help build an inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future
for all.

Ban Ki-moon

United Nations Public Service Forum (24-27 June 2013)

The United Nations Public Service Forum, Day and Awards Ceremony
will take place in Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain, from 24 to 27 June
2013. Focusing on the theme of “Transformative e-Government and
Innovation: Creating a Better Future for All", the Forum is organized by
the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA),
Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM) in
partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA), in collaboration with the
hosting Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The United Nations Public Service Forum is a unique capacity-building
global event on public governance that provides a platform to explore,
discuss and learn about: (i) Emerging challenges, issues and trends in
public governance; (ii) Innovative practices to address these
challenges; and (iii) Capacity development strategies, approaches and
tools.

Every year the Forum focuses on a specific critical area of
public governance, and explores its different dimensions and components
in an organic way. The Forum brings together world leaders,
policy-makers, practitioners, innovators in governance, representatives
of international and regional organizations, the academia, non-profit
organizations and the private sector.

The Forum is uniquely positioned to benefit from the first-class
innovative practices of the winners of the prestigious United Nations
Public Service Awards who are recognized for their achievements on the
last day of this high-level event, which also coincides with United
Nations Public Service Day. The General Assembly, by its resolution A/RES/57/277, designated 23 June as the United Nations Public Service Day to "celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community".

Thursday, 20 June 2013

World Refugee Day 2013 Theme : "Take 1 minute to support a family forced to flee."

The number of forcibly displaced people in the world continues
to rise. There are now more than 45 million refugees and internally
displaced people – the highest level in nearly 20 years. Last year
alone, someone was forced to abandon their home every four seconds.

War remains the dominant cause, with the crisis in Syria a
leading instance of major displacement. More than half of all refugees
listed in a new report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees come
from just five war-affected countries: Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq,
Syria and Sudan. Major new displacements have also been occurring in
Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Figures give only a glimpse of this enormous human tragedy.
Every day, conflict tears apart the lives of thousands of families.
They may be forced to leave loved ones behind or become separated in
the chaos of war. Children suffer the most. Nearly half of all
refugees are below age 18, and a growing number are fleeing on their
own.

Forced displacement also has a significant economic, social and,
at times, political impact on the communities that provide shelter.
There is a growing and deep imbalance in the burden of hosting
refugees, with poor countries taking in the vast majority of the
world’s uprooted people. Developing countries host 81 per cent of the
world’s refugees, compared to 70 per cent a decade ago.

Finding durable solutions for the displaced will require more
solidarity and burden-sharing by the international community. On World
Refugee Day, I call on the international community to intensify efforts
to prevent and resolve conflicts, and to help achieve peace and
security so that families can be reunited and refugees can return home.

I have come to Jordan on this World Refugee Day to stand by the
people of Syria in their time of acute need. I also want to salute
Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and all the countries in the region for being
generous havens that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

In all the years I have worked on behalf of refugees, this is the
most worrying I have ever witnessed. The needs of these people are
overwhelming; their anguish is unbearable. Today, there are over 1.6
million registered Syrian refugees. More than one million of them
arrived just in the last six months, and thousands more come every day,
seeking places to stay, sustenance, someone who will listen and help
them heal.
Inside Syria, the scale of human suffering is beyond comprehension.
The Syria we once knew is no more. In the heart of a turbulent region,
the country was host to over one million Iraqi and half a million
Palestinian refugees. I think of the Syrians I met over the years during
many visits to see Iraqi refugees. Never could they have imagined that
such violence would overtake them – that they would become refugees themselves – desperate, destitute and forsaken.

I worry that an entire nation is being left to self-destruct as it
empties itself of its people. I am dismayed to hear of the trauma
children face. Nightmares define their waking lives as much as they
haunt their sleep. School is a distant memory.

Here in Jordan, over 500,000 registered Syrian refugees live in
safety now. The Zaatari Refugee Camp has become Jordan's fifth largest
city and the second largest refugee camp in the world. There is hardly a
town or a city in Jordan that is not host to Syrians. It is much the
same in Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. This hospitality is a
remarkable demonstration of humanity against a backdrop of depravity.

With no clear political resolution in sight, this civil war is in
real danger of sliding into a regional conflict. It is no longer fantasy
to foresee an explosion in the Middle East that the world would not be
able to cope with.
We will continue to do everything we can to aid and alleviate the
suffering of Syrians. But the cascade of death and destruction is
spreading fast, and I repeat my call on those with political
responsibilities to overcome their divisions and come together to do
everything in their power to stop this war.

ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY, NEEDS OF DISPLACED EVERYWHERE MUST BE REMEMBERED

For over two years, the world has witnessed millions of Syrians
fleeing their homes, escaping from violence in search of a safe haven.
Many families have been forced to move more than once, bringing only
what they can carry. The needs of conflict-affected Syrians are huge,
almost too big to comprehend: by the end of the year, the UN World Food
Programme (WFP) aims to provide food assistance to seven million people,
most of whom are either internally displaced or taking refuge in
neighbouring countries.

Syrians are not alone in feeling the devastation of displacement,
whether within their own country or across borders. Every day, I work
with colleagues who are on the ground in some of the most remote and
dangerous places in the world. They remind me, as we are all reminded
on World Refugee Day (20 June), that every woman, man and child who has
left behind homes, family, jobs, education and lives in search of
security and safety deserve our attention and, most importantly, our
assistance.

Last year, I spoke to a Malian woman receiving WFP food in the
Menghaize refugee camp in Niger. She had fled Mali with her children
amidst the sound of gunshots; she told me she missed her home, but at
least she and her children were safe. In Rwanda, refugees from eastern
Democratic Republic of Congo have given up everything to escape ongoing
clashes. In Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees from Myanmar seek safe haven
from communal violence. Ecuador hosts the largest number of refugees in
the Western hemisphere, and more pour in from Colombia every month.
Kenya continues to host large populations of Somalis. All still unable
to return home.

In 2012, WFP provided food assistance to almost 10 million people
forced to move – refugees, internally displaced people and those who
have been fortunate enough to return home again. This food, along with
the relief provided by our partners, brings some security to otherwise
uncertain lives.
As an international community, we must continue to advocate on
behalf of displaced people everywhere. Whether fleeing conflict, natural
disaster or hunger, they must be at the front of our minds.

Sunday, 16 June 2013

The International Year of Statistics ("Statistics2013") is a worldwide celebration and recognition of the
contributions of statistical science. Through
the combined energies of organizations worldwide, Statistics2013 will
promote the importance of Statistics to the broader scientific
community, business and government data users, the media, policy makers,
employers, students, and the general public.

Welcome to the International Year of Statistics

2013 is the International Year of Statistics. More than 2,000 organizations—professional statistical societies, colleges and universities, primary and secondary schools, businesses,government entities, and research institutes are participating in this worldwide event. Why? Because statistics have powerful and far-reaching effects on everyone.

What Is Statistics?

When many people hear the word “statistics,” they think of either sports-related numbers or the college class they took and barely passed. While statistics can be thought about in these terms, there is more to the relationship between you and statistics than you probably imagine. Several informal definitions are offered in the book A Career in Statistics: Beyond the Numbers by Gerald Hahn and Necip Doganaksoy:

• The science of learning from (or making sense out of ) data• The theory and methods of extracting information from observational data for solving real-world problems• The science of uncertainty• The quintessential interdisciplinary science• The art of telling a story with [numerical] data

Statistics are produced around the world by governments, political parties, civil servants, financial companies, opinion-polling firms, campaign groups, social-research entities, scientific groups, news organizations, and so much more

How Does Statistics Affect You?

You may not be aware of it, but statistics affects nearly every aspect of your life, including:

Since our world is becoming more quantitative and data-focused, job opportunities in statistics are plentiful and projected to increase worldwide. Many industries depend on statisticians to analyze data, which helps in making critical decisions.Statisticians work on important and challenging problems such as:

• Estimating the safety of nuclear power plants and alternative energy sources• Evaluating the impact of air, water, and soil pollution• Estimating the unemployment rate of a country• Analyzing consumer demand for products and services• Designing studies for and analyzing data from agricultural experiments to increase crop productivity and yields

Statistics Education Resources

Demand for statisticians and data analysts is expected to increase by 4.4 million jobs worldwide in the years ahead. To introduce students to careers in statistics and teach them basic statistics literacy, many statistical organizations have developed primary and secondary school statistics education programs and resources,most of which are free of charge. An excellent example is the Census at School program, an international classroom statistical literacy project. To access these resources, go to the Primary & Secondary School Teacher Resources section at www.statistics2013.org.

The goals of
Statistics2013 include: increasing public awareness of the power and
impact of Statistics on all aspects of society; nurturing Statistics as a profession, especially among young people; and promoting creativity and development in the sciences of Probability and Statistics.

Why Statistics is Important to You

Statistics is more than just a technology for data analysis. Statistics
help shape the very world in which we live. Learn more of how SAS can
analyze your data with world-class statistics software

Quote of the Week
Some
people hate the very name of statistics, but I find them full of beauty
and interest. Whenever they are not brutalized, but delicately handled
by the higher methods, and are warily interpreted, their power in
dealing with complicated phenomena is extraordinary. -Sir Francis
Galton, English anthropologist, eugenicist, tropical explorer,
geographer, inventor, meteorologist, proto-geneticist, psychometrician
and statistician.

The World's Drylands : Desertification is a concept used to grasp the more acute forms of the degradation of land-based ecosystems and the consequences of the loss of their services. Drought is the silent killer—the natural catastrophe that is only too easily forgotten. Experience shows that awareness of the implications of desertification and drought must be expanded and that policy orientation must be backed by robust monitoring systems and related findings.

And the drought is back.... Namibia, the Sahel and United States are facing drought.
Did you know drought affects more people than any other natural disaster?

THE FACTS: Since 1979, about when global action on drought began, more than 1.6 billion people have been drought victims. Today, 11.4 million people in the Sahel lack food security due to the current drought.

In 2011, 13 million people in east Africa were affected; most have not recovered. Globally, 1 in 3 people live with the threat of drought. But only 1 COUNTRY has a comprehensive national drought policy?
We respond drought with relief; that is reactive. We can do better. Let us change that because drought is predictable, it sets in slowly.
If you live in a drought-prone area, here are 2 ways to empower yourself and others:

• Get linked up to your country’s early warning system for advance warnings.
• Insure all your assets that can be destroyed by drought – crops, home, and so on.
• Land health is crucial; soil that absorbs lots of water is best. It needs vegetation cover, like trees, to protect the soil from sliding and erosion.
• Share this message with others, so we are all self-empowered.
• Speak up for the setting up of a national drought management system in your country.
• Make your voice count globally. Like and share the online campaign graphic for WDCD urging governments to act.

For twitter: follow @UNCCD and to tweet, use tag #WDCD2013.
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNCCD.
If you are not directly affected by drought do something in solidarity because drought dehumanizes us all and what comes around goes around.
• Send this information to at-risk families you know for their self-empowerment.
• Join local and national campaigns supporting long-term drought resilience measures, not just relief.
• Make your voice count for action on national drought management policies. Like and share the campaign graphic for World Day to Combat Desertification on twitter – follow @UNCCD, use tag #WDCD2013 – and Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/UNCCD.

Please help us spread the message through social media, sharing our graphics and using the hashtag #WDCD2013.

United Nations Secretary-General's Message, on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification, 17 June 2013

With the rallying call “Don’t let our future dry up”, this
year’s World Day to Combat Desertification is dedicated to highlighting
the global risks of drought and water scarcity. The social, political
and economic costs of drought are evident from Uzbekistan to Brazil,
from the Sahel to Australia. In May, Namibia declared a national
drought emergency, with 14 per cent of the population classified as
food insecure. In 2012, the United States experienced its worst
drought since the 1950s, affecting 80 per cent of agricultural land. In
2011 drought in the Horn of Africa – the worst since the early 1990s –
affected nearly 13 million people.
Over the past quarter-century, the world has become more
drought-prone, and droughts are projected to become more widespread,
intense and frequent as a result of climate change. The long-term
impacts of prolonged drought on ecosystems are profound, accelerating
land degradation and desertification. The consequences include
impoverishment and the risk of local conflict over water resources and
productive land.
Droughts are hard to avert, but their effects can be mitigated.
Because they rarely observe national borders they demand a collective
response. The price of preparedness is minimal compared to the cost of
disaster relief. Let us therefore shift from managing crises to
preparing for droughts and building resilience by fully implementing the
outcomes of the High-level Meeting on National Drought Policy held in
Geneva last March.
On this World Day to Combat Desertification, I urge the
international community to fulfil the call of last year’s Rio+20
conference on sustainable development to avoid and offset land
degradation. By conserving arid lands we can protect essential water
supplies, promote food and nutrition security, and reduce extreme
poverty.

Ban Ki-moon

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification, 17 June 2013

We estimate between 100 to 200 million people live in arid and
semi-arid areas with limited freshwater resources. By 2025, two-thirds
of them will experience serious water stress – facing pressure from
population growth, agricultural production, as well as rising salinity
and pollution. The impact of climate change will increase water
scarcity, increasing also the frequency of hydrological extremes. The
poorest will be hit hardest, as obstacles to sustainable development
harden. On this World Day to Combat Desertification, June 17th, we must renew our
commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable solutions to managing
water resources in dryland areas.

Water challenges are complex, so solutions must be equally
multi-faceted. This calls for innovative thinking and for cooperation
across the board, to preserve our ecosystems, to eradicate poverty and
to advance social equity, including gender equality.
This is the core
message of the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation
that UNESCO is leading, to promote deeper cooperation to tackle the
rising demand for water access, allocation and services.The Water and Development Information for Arid Lands, a Global Network (G-WADI), led by UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme,
shows our commitment to strengthen global capacity to manage the water
resources of dryland areas. This builds on four regional networks in
Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Arab States, which promote
international and regional cooperation in dryland areas, for stronger
management of water resources and mitigation of water-related disasters.
In collaboration with Princeton University, UNESCO is leading an
experimental drought monitoring and forecasting system for sub-Saharan
Africa, to build capacity through technology and knowledge transfer.
Given the impact of drought in Africa, largely dependent on rain-fed
agriculture, this is a key step to make the most of water as a source of
solidarity.
With the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, UNESCO
is working in concrete ways to promote sustainable dryland management.
This must start on the ground, with the inhabitants of these areas, who
often belong to the poorest segments of society. Water is the common
denominator of many challenges – in health, in farming and food security
and in energy. It can be the common solution also –- but this requires
commitment from us all, especially for those most affected by water
scarcity. This is UNESCO’s pledge on World Day to Combat Desertification.

World Refugee Day is held every year
on June 20. It is a special day when the world takes time to recognize
the resilience of forcibly displaced people throughout the world.

On World Refugee Day 2013, we are focussing on the impact of conflict on families through the theme of ‘1 Family Torn Apart by War is Too Many’.

During the weeks leading up to World Refugee Day 2013 and on the day
itself, we are encouraging local, national and international communities
to reflect on what we can do in order to help those who are forced to
flee to find safety, regain hope and rebuild their lives.

For more information or to let us know your plans for World Refugee Day, email us at
aulcapi@unhcr.org.

Check
out the free UN Calendar of Observances iPhone app.!It features
official UN observances and links to related videos and further
information. The app also illustrates how the UN makes a difference in
tackling global challenges.

It functions in Chinese, Spanish and English. Arabic, French and Russian versions will be available in early 2014.

UN Audio Library

UNIS Handbook for Journalists and 2011 Calendar

For all UNIS press releases and information on all UNIS eventsand press briefings, go to www.unis.unvienna.org

“Chemistry – Our life, our future”, IYC 2011

United Nations activities and programmes.

United Nations observances contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. They provide a useful means for the promotion of international and national action and stimulate interest in United Nations activities and programmes. For international years and decades the UN Secretary General takes action to establish the preparatory process, evaluation and follow-up procedures.

In 1950, the General Assembly approved the first international day — Human Rights Day — to be observed on 10 December. Resolution 423 (V) invited all states and international organizations to observe this day to celebrate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948, and to exert increasing efforts in this field.

In 1978, the General Assembly by its resolution S-10/2 proclaimed the first international week — the week starting 24 October (the day of the founding of the UN) — as a week devoted to fostering the objectives of disarmament (Disarmament Week).

The first international year was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1959. It was the World Refugee Year [Resolution 1285 (XIII)].

The first UN decade was the United Nations Development Decade designated by the General Assembly in 1961 [Resolution 1710 (XVI)].

1971–1980 : Second United Nations Development Decade - A/RES/2626 (XXV)

1970s : Disarmament Decade - A/RES/2602 E (XXIV)

1960–1970 : United Nations Development Decade - A/RES/1710 (XVI)

31 January

World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in January in over 100 countries.

02 February

The international theme 2011 is "wetlands and forests - forests for water and wetlands"

04 February

WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

06 February

WHO is committed to the elimination of female genital mutilation within a generation and is focusing on advocacy, research and guidance for health professionals and health systems.

20 February

Observance of World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

21 February

2011 International Mother Language Day: The information and communication technologies for the safeguarding and promotion of languages and linguistic diversity

08 March

International Women Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women

21 March

Elimination of Racial Discrimination

21 March in Australia

Hamony Day - Everyone Belongs

22 March

Theme 2011 - Water for Cities : Responding to the Urban Challenge

24 March

04 April

Mine Awareness and assistance in Mine Action

07 April

Theme 2011 : Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread

20 April

22 April

2011 theme : Pledge your Act today!

23 April

25 April

26 April

03 May

09 May

22 May

29 May

LAW.ORDER.PEACE.

31 May

"The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control" as the theme 2011

05 June

08 June

14 June

" More Blood, More Life "

17 June

20 JUNE

25 June

26 June

11 July

28 July

The first official WHO World Hepatitis Day is marked to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.

1 to 7 August

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need.

19 August

To pay respect to those who have died or been injured in the course of their humanitarian work.

24 August

"Water for Life "

30 August

08 September

10 September

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

26 September

28 September

World Rabies Day highlights the impact of human and animal rabies and promotes how to prevent and stop the disease by combating it in animals.

29 September

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.1 million lives a year.

26 to 30 September

04 October

05 October

10 October

13 October

"Vision 2020: The Right to Sight",

16 October

20 October

27 October

06 November

10 November

11 November

14 November

WHO estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention.

16 November

World COPD Day is a global effort to expand understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and advocate for better care for patients.

20 November

Road traffic crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people every year and injure or disable as many as 50 million more.

21 November

25 November

Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

01 December

World AIDS Day on 1 December draws together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

United Nations International Days

27 January International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust A/RES/60/7

February

4 February World Cancer Day [WHO] 20 February World Day of Social Justice 21 February International Mother Language Day [UNESCO]

March

8 March International Women's Day21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 21 March World Poetry Day [UNESCO] 21 March International Day of Nowruz23 March World Meteorological Day [WMO] 24 March World Tuberculosis Day [WHO] 24 March International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 25 March International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade25 March International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members —

April

2 April World Autism Awareness Day 4 April International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 7 April Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide7 April World Health Day [WHO] 12 April International Day of Human Space Flight 22 April International Mother Earth Day 23 April World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO]25 April World Malaria Day [WHO] 26 April World Intellectual Property Day [WIPO] 28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work [ILO] 29 April Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

May

Day of Vesak 3 May World Press Freedom Day 8–9 May Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War 14–15 May World Migratory Bird Day [UNEP] 15 May International Day of Families 17 May World Telecommunication and Information Society Day [ITU] 21 May World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity 29 May International Day of UN Peacekeepers31 May World No-Tobacco Day [WHO]

June

4 June International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 5 June World Environment Day [UNEP]8 June World Oceans Day 12 June World Day Against Child Labour [ILO] 14 June World Blood Donor Day [WHO] 17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought20 June World Refugee Day 23 June United Nations Public Service Day 23 June International Widow’s Day25 June Day of the Seafarer [IMO] 26 June International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26 June United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

July

2 July International Day of Cooperatives 11 July World Population Day UNDP decision 89/4618 July Nelson Mandela International Day 28 July World Hepatitis Day —30 July International Day of Friendship

August

9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous People12 August International Youth Day 19 August World Humanitarian Day 23 August International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition [UNESCO]29 August International Day against Nuclear Tests 30 August International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

September

8 September International Literacy Day [UNESCO]10 September World Suicide Prevention Day [WHO] 15 September International Day of Democracy 16 September International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 21 September International Day of Peace 25 September World Heart Day [WHO] 27 September World Tourism Day [UNWTO] 28 September World Rabies Day [WHO] 29 September World Maritime Day [IMO]

October

1 October International Day of Older Persons 2 October International Day of Non-Violence 3 October World Habitat Day 5 October World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO]9 October World Post Day [UPU] 10 October World Mental Health Day [WHO] 13 October International Day for Disaster Reduction 13 October World Sight Day [WHO] 15 October International Day of Rural Women 16 October World Food Day [FAO] 17 October International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 24 October United Nations Day24 October World Development Information Day 27 October World Day for Audiovisual Heritage [UNESCO]

November

6 November International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 10 November World Science Day for Peace and Development [UNESCO] 14 November World Diabetes Day [WHO]16 November International Day for Tolerance 17 November World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day [WHO] 17 November World Philosophy Day [UNESCO] 20 November Universal Children’s Day 20 November Africa Industrialization Day 20 November World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims21 November World Television Day25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 29 November International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

December

1 December World AIDS Day2 December International Day for the Abolition of Slavery3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities5 December International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 7 December International Civil Aviation Day [ICAO] 9 December International Anti-Corruption Day 10 December Human Rights Day11 December International Mountain Day 18 December International Migrants Day 19 December United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 20 December International Human Solidarity Day

About the United Nations

This site provides a list of the 192 Member States of the UN, data on each country, how much each country pays to the UN (see Contribution to the UN Budget), and various sources of country information (see Related Links > Information Sources)

World Water Day - 22/03/2010

Water is the source of life and the link that binds all living beings on this planet. It is connected directly to all our United Nations goals: improved maternal and child health and life expectancy, women’s empowerment, food security, sustainable development and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Recognition of these links led to the declaration of 2005-2015 as the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”.

World Tuberculosis Day - 24/03/2010

Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - 25/03/2010

Slavery is abhorrent. It is explicitly prohibited by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations has reaffirmed this principle many times, including in the Durban Declaration adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism.

But slavery and slavery-like practices continue in many parts of the world. Slavery is mutating and re-emerging in modern forms, including debt bondage, the sale of children, and the trafficking of women and girls for sex. Its roots lie in ignorance, intolerance and greed.

We must create a climate in which such abuse and cruelty are inconceivable. One way is by remembering the past and honouring the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. By reminding ourselves of past injustices, we help to ensure that such systematic abuse of human rights can never be repeated.

We see the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in all the countries it affected. If we are wise, we will use this legacy for good. We will recognize that it is clear evidence of what can happen, if intolerance, racism and greed are allowed to triumph.

We should also take heart from those who, with great courage, succeeded in ending this institutionalized abuse. Their bravery ensured the eventual triumph of the values the United Nations represents: tolerance, justice, and respect for the dignity and worth of all human beings.

Today, we salute all the victims of slavery and we commit ourselves to ensuring that this practice, in all its forms, is eradicated.

World Book and Copyright Day - 23/04/2010

23 April is a symbolic date for world literature for on this date in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this respect, UNESCO created both the World Book and Copyright Day and the UNESCO Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance.

World Press Freedom Day - 3/05/2010

World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December, 1993, as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. This Seminar took place in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991 and led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media (www.misanet.org/charters/windhoek.html). The Windhoek Declaration called for the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press and emphasized the importance of a free press to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd, the date on which the Windhoek Declaration was adopted.

International Day of Families - 15/05/2010

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 47/237 of 20 September 1993, proclaimed that 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families. This annual observance reflects the importance which the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action. The Day can become a powerful mobilizing factor on behalf of families in all countries, which avail themselves of this opportunity and demonstrate support of family issues appropriate to each society. (TEST2)

World No Tobacco Day - 31/05/2010

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL's MESSAGE ON WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY31 May 2009

Every year, some 5.4 million people die from illnesses caused by tobacco consumption – 80 per cent of them in low- and middle-income countries. Up to half of all smokers die from a tobacco-related disease, and science has shown that second-hand smoke harms everyone who is exposed to it. Left unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will rise to more than 8 million by 2030.

Lung cancer, heart disease and other tobacco-related illnesses are part of a broader epidemic of non-communicable diseases, which include strokes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. These diseases have become the world’s leading cause of mortality. Sixty per cent of all deaths globally are caused by them, with women being the hardest hit.

That we continue to allow such diseases to be caused by tobacco consumption is a global tragedy. It also comes at vast expense. Economies are harmed by the costs of treating of tobacco-caused diseases and by decreased productivity due to illness and premature death, while families whose members die or become ill due to tobacco use endure an unnecessary financial burden.

On this World No Tobacco Day, I urge governments everywhere to address this needless threat to public health.

World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31. The member states of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987. It draws global attention to the tobacco epidemic and to the preventable death and disease it causes. It aims to reduce the 3.5 million yearly deaths from tobacco related health problems.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 21/11/2010

This Observance occurs on the third Sunday of November, annually

On 26 October 2005, the General Assembly invited Member States and the international community to recognize the third Sunday in November of every year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims as acknowledgement for victims of road traffic crashes and their families ( resolution 60/5 ).

World Television Day - 21/11/2010

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day (through resolution 51/205 of 17 December 1996). This was done in recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by alerting world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues.

On 21 and 22 November 1996 the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today's changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day - to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held.

The celebration highlights how communications have become one of today's central international issues, not only for their relevance to the world economy, but also for their implications for social and cultural development. The celebration also underlines the ever-increasing demands faced by the United Nations to address the major issues facing humankind - and that television - as one of today's most powerful communications media, could play a role in presenting these issues to the world.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - 25/11/2010

By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the General Assembly designated 25 November as theInternational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, andinvited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organizeactivities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on thatday. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day againstviolence since 1981. This date came from the brutal assassination in1960, of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in theDominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo(1930-1961).

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People - 29/11/2010

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed by the United Nations on or around 29 November each year, in accordance with General Assembly mandates contained in resolutions 32/40 B of 2 December 1977 , 34/65 D of 12 December 1979 , and subsequent resolutions adopted under agenda item “Question of Palestine.”

The date of 29 November was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people. On that day in 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II) ,which came to be known as the Partition Resolution. That resolution provided for the establishment in Palestine of a “Jewish State” and an“Arab State”, with Jerusalem as a corpus separatum under a special international regime. Of the two States to be created under this resolution, only one, Israel, has so far come into being.

The Palestinian people, who now number more than eight million,live primarily in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since1967, including East Jerusalem; in Israel; in neighbouring Arab States;and in refugee camps in the region.

World AIDS Day - 1/12/2010

The General Assembly, in 1988, stated its deep concern about the pandemic proportions of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared 1 December 1988 World AIDS Day, the Assembly stressed the importance of observing that occasion (resolution 43/15). Today, some 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery - 2/12/2010

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others (resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949).

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3/12/2010

On 18 December 2007, the Assembly decided to rename the International Day of Disabled Persons, observed every year on 3 December, as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (resolution 62/127). It also called upon States that had no yet done so to consider signing and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol as a matter of priority. The Convention was adopted on 13 December 2006.

The Assembly proclaimed the Day in 1992, at the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), by its resolution 47/3. The Decade had been a period of raising awareness and enacting measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and provide them with equal opportunities. Subsequently, the Assembly appealed to Member States to highlight the observance of the Day in order to further integrate people with disabilities into the society (resolution 47/88).

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development - 5/12/2010

The General Assembly has invited Governments to observe the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on 5 December each year ( resolution 40/212 of 17 December 1985). It urged them to heighten awareness of the contribution made by volunteer service, thereby stimulating people in all walks of life to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad. In 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, the Assembly adopted a set of recommendations on ways that Governments and the United Nations system could support volunteering and asked that they be widely disseminated (resolution 56/38 of 5 December 2001).

International Civil Aviation Day - 7/12/2010

In 1996, the General Assembly proclaimed 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day, and urged Governments, as well as national, regional, international and intergovernmental organizations, to take steps to observe it (resolution 51/33 of 6 December). the Day had been declared in 1992 by the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, to highlight and advance the benefits of international civil aviation. Observation of the Day started on 7 December 1994 - the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established ICAO.

International Anti-Corruption Day - 9/12/2010

International Anti-Corruption Day

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention's Conference of States parties ( resolution 58/4 ). The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Human Rights Day - 10/12/2010

All States and interested organizations were invited by the General Assembly in 1950 to observe 10 December as Human rights Day ( Resolution 423 (V) ). The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and is the most important commemorative day of the human rights calendar.

International Mountain Day - 11/12/2010

The UN General Assembly designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as 'International Mountain Day' ( Resolution 57/245 ). This decision results from the success of the UN International Year of Mountains in 2002, which increased global awareness of the importance of mountains, stimulated the establishment of national committees in 78 countries and strengthened alliances through promoting the creation of the International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, known as the 'Mountain Partnership (WSSD, Johannesburg, 2 September 2002). FAO was the designated lead coordinating agency for International Year of Mountains and is mandated to lead observance of International Mountain Day.

International Migrants Day - 18/12/2010

As recommended by the UN's Economic and Social Council (decision 2000/288 of 28 july 2000), the General Assembly has proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day ( resolution 55/93 of 4 December 2000). On that day in 1990, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted (resolution 45/158). The Assembly has stressed the need to make further efforts to ensure respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants. It is estimated that one in every 35 persons in the world is a migrant, living and working in a country other than his or her own. All countries have migrants among their population.

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation - 19/12/2010

On 23 December 2004, the General Assembly declared 19 December of each year as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation ( resolution 58/220 ). This marks the date, in 1978, when the General Assembly endorsed the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (resolution 33/134).

International Human Solidarity Day - 20/12/2010

In connection with its observance of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), the General assembly, on 22 December 2005, decided to proclaim 20 December of each year as International Human Solidarity Day ( resolution 60/209 ). In taking that action, it recalled that the Millennium Declaration identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century.

Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27/01/2011

Rejecting any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event, either in full or in part, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution (A/RES/60/7) condemning "without reserve" all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, whenever they occur.

It decided that the United Nations would designate 27 January -– the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp -- as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again, and requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the "Holocaust and the United Nations," as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.

The Holocaust was a turning point in history, which prompted the world to say "never again." The significance of resolution A/RES/60/7 is that it calls for a remembrance of past crimes with an eye towards preventing them in the future.

Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27/01/2011

Rejecting any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event, either in full or in part, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution (A/RES/60/7) condemning "without reserve" all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, whenever they occur.

It decided that the United Nations would designate 27 January -– the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp -- as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again, and requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the "Holocaust and the United Nations," as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.

The Holocaust was a turning point in history, which prompted the world to say "never again." The significance of resolution A/RES/60/7 is that it calls for a remembrance of past crimes with an eye towards preventing them in the future.

World Day for Social Justice - 20/02/2011

At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. The day is to be observed for the first time in 2009.

Member states were invited to devote this special day to the promotion of concrete national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly, entitled “World Summit for Social Development and beyond: achieving social development for all in a globalizing world”.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 21/03/2011

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

World Water Day - 22/03/2011

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year's theme for World Water Day is "Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge.

An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

For more information please visit the official website or UNIC Canberra World Water Day page.

World Meteorological Day - 23/03/2011

Each year, on 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization, its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day around a chosen theme. This day commemorates the entry into force, on that date in 1950, of the WMO Convention creating the Organization. Subsequently, in 1951, WMO was designated a specialized agency of the United Nations System.

The Right to the Truth of Victims of Gross Human Rights Violations - 24/03/2011

On 21 December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 March as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

The purpose of the Day is to:

• Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;

• Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;

• Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

The UN General Assembly, in its resolution, invites all Member States, international organizations and civil society organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner.

Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - 25/03/2011

The event is held annually pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/122 of 17 December 2007, which called, inter alia, for 25 March to be designated as International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The resolution requested the Secretary-General, in collaboration with UNESCO, to establish an educational outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions, civil society and other organizations to inculcate in future generations the “causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice”.

World Autism Awareness Day - 02/04/2011

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies.

Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action - 04/04/2011

On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (A/RES/60/97).

It called for continued efforts by States, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.

Commemoration of the Rwanda genocide - 07/04/2011

On 7 April every year, the UN commemorates the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus are estimated to have been killed within a period of 100 days.

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare - 29/04/2011

The Conference of the States Parties at its Tenth Session (paragraph 23.3 of C-10/5, dated 11 November 2005) decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 29 April each year––the date in 1997 on which the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force.

This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of theOrganization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace, security, and multilateralism.

World Press Freedom Day - 03/05/2011

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on 3 May worldwide. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. "21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers" is the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2011.

By decision 48/432 of 20 December 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. Since then, it has been celebrated each year on 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek. The document calls for free, independent, pluralistic media worldwide characterizing free press as essential to democracy and a fundamental human right.

The Declaration of Windhoek is a statement of free press principles as put together by newspaper journalists in Africa during a UNESCO seminar on “Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press” in Windhoek, Namibia, from 29 April to 3 May 1991.

International Day of Families - 15/05/2011

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly resolution in 1993 (A/RES/47/237) and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family-related provisions of the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits of the 1990s and their follow-up processes continue to provide policy guidance on ways to strengthen family-centred components of policies and programmes as part of an integrated comprehensive approach to development.

The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The 2011's commemoration of the International Day of Families focuses on the "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion."

World No Tobacco Day - 31/05/2011

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31. This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

1961- International Health and Medical Research Year

1959/60 - World Refugee Year

World Information Society Day -17/05/2010

On 27 March 2006, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/60/252 proclaiming 17 May as annual World Information Society Day. This Day will help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information communications technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

International Day Of United Nations Peacekeepers - 29/05/2010

By resolution 57/129 of 11 December 2002, the General Assembly designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression - 4/06/2010

On 19 August 1982, at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General Assembly decided to commemorate 4 June of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (resolution ES-7/8).

World Environment Day - 5/06/2010

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

World Oceans Day - 8/06/2010

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.

The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

The theme of the inaugural observance of the World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009 is “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in cooperation with the Department of Public Information, is organizing a number of events and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 8 June 2009. http://www.un.org/Depts/los/reference_files/worldoceansday.htm

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17/06/2010

The World Day to Combat Desertification, celebrated each year on June 17, is part of an international campaign by the United Nations to tackle global environmental deterioration, in particular the degradation of drylands. The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

The General Assembly therefore decided that, from 2001, 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

This year the UN refugee agency, in its 60th year, will mark World Refugee Day with a rich and varied programme of events in locations worldwide and the launch of a new global awareness campaign. UNHCR will start rolling out the multimedia "One" campaign next week. Over the next six months it will increase awareness about the forcibly displaced and stateless by telling their powerful personal stories. The campaign will carry the message that "One Refugee Without Hope is too Many." Every day, millions of refugees face murder, rape and terror. We believe even 1 is too many.

Where to find UNPAN?

The UNPAN system is centred at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and draws upon existing regional/subregional institutions devoted to public administration and finance in the context of social and economic development. So far, it is comprised of the following online regional centres (ORCs): eight in Africa and three in the Arab States, four in Asia and the Pacific, four in Latin America and the Caribbean, four in Europe, and six in North America.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - 26/06/2010

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People - 9/08/2010

By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. In 2004 the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade by resolution 59/174. The goal of this Decade is to further strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.

International Youth Day - 12/08/2010

The General Assembly on 17 December 1999 in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).

World Humanitarian Day - 19/08/2010

In December 2008, the General Assembly voted to observe World Humanitarian Day each year on 19 August, dedicated to increasing public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work.

The date coincides with the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United Nations Office in Iraq in 2003, in which 22 people died. Among them was Sergio Vieira de Mello, at that time the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq.

The General Assembly invites all countries, the UN system and international and non-governmental organizations to observe the day annually in an appropriate manner.

For 2009, the Day has three objectives:• To draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide;• To acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the globe;• To honour those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition - 23/08/2010

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others [Resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949]. The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is celebrated every 23rd of August.

World Space Week - 4/09/2010

By resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week, to be observed between 4 and 10 October, to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. The dates recall the launch, on 4 October 1957, of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, and the entry into force, on 10 October 1967, of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.

International Day of Democracy - 15/09/2010

On 8 November 2007, by Resolution A/Res/62/7, the General Assembly proclaimed 15 September as the International Day of Democracy, inviting Member States, the United Nations system and other regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the Day. The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, the national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

International Day For the Preservation of the Ozone Layer - 16/09/2010

On 19 December 1994, by A/RES/49/114, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed. States are invited to devote the Day each year to promote, at the national level, activities in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

International Day of Peace - 21/09/2010

The International Day of Peace was first established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session every September. In 2001 resolution 55/282 was strengthened to fix the date annually on 21 September and for it to be a day of nonviolence and cease-fire. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Member States of the General Assembly.

World Maritime Day - 24/09/2010

Every year IMO celebrates World Maritime Day. The exact date is left to individual Governments but is usually celebrated during the last week in September. The day is used to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work.

64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly - 28/09/2010

The General Assembly of the United Nations opened its sixty-fourth session on 15 September at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The annual general debate, which traditionally features statements by Heads of State and Government as well as Ministers, began on Wednesday, 23 September 2009, and concludes on 30 September 2009.

Established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 192 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law. The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

Secretary-General Message International Year of Older Persons - 1/10/2010

On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (by resolution 45/106) designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons.

This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing - which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing - and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

In 1991, the General Assembly (by resolution 46/91) adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.

In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

The theme of the year 2010's commemoration is "Older persons and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)". This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the UN International Day of Older Persons.

International Day of Non-Violence - 2/10/2010

Reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence, and desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence, the General Assembly has decided to observe 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. By its resolution 61/271 of 15 June 2007, the Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

The resolution originated from a Declaration adopted at the “International Conference on Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment -- Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century”. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869.

World Habitat Day - 5/10/2010

By Resolution A/RES/40/202 the United Nations has designated the first Monday in October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

World Teachers Day - 5/10/2010

World Teachers' Day was inaugurated by UNESCO in 1994 to focus attention on the extraordinary contributions and achievements of teachers. The Day is celebrated internationally on October 5, the day in 1966 on which a joint UNESCO/ILO conference adopted a recommendation on the Status of Teachers.

World Post Day - 9/10/2010

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

World Mental Health Day - 10/10/2010

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October each year. It is an internationally recognised day to promote mental health and wellbeing around the world.

International Day For Natural Disaster Reduction - 14/10/2010

By resolution 44/236 (22 December 1989), the General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. The International Day was to be observed annually during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, 1990-1999. In 2001, the General Assembly decided to maintain the observance of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction on the second Wednesday of October (resolution 56/195 of 21 December), as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

International Day of Rural Women - 15/10/2010

The General Assembly has declared that 15 October of each year shall be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day of Rural Women. By its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, the Assembly urged Member States, in collaboration with the organizations of the United Nations and civil society, to undertake measures to improve the situation of rural women, including indigenous women, in their national, regional and global development strategies.

These measures include: creating an enabling environment to improve the situation of rural women; pursuing their political and socio-economic empowerment; supporting their full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels; integrating a gender perspective in the design, implementation, follow-up and evaluation of development policies and programmes; addressing their specific health needs; ensuring the rights of older women in rural areas to basic social services; mobilizing resources for increasing women’s access to existing savings and credit schemes; and integrating increased employment opportunities for rural women in all international and national development and poverty eradication strategies.

World Food Day - 16/10/2010

The aim of World Food Day, proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the FAO of the United Nations, is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The Day marks the date of the founding of the FAO in 1945. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that “food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity” (resolution 35/70 of 5 December).

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - 17/10/2010

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries - a need that has become a development priority.

24-30 Oct Disarmament Week

The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the Untied Nations, was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.

In 1995, the Assembly invited Governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, to continue taking an active part in Disarmament Week (resolution 50/72 B of 12 December). It invited the Secretary-General to continue using the United Nations information entities as widely as possible to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament problems and the aims of the Week.

World Development Information Day - 24/10/2010

The United Nations General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day at its twenty-seventh session in December 1972 (A/Res/3038 XXVII) with the object of drawing the attention of world public opinion each year to development problems and the necessity of strengthening international co-operation to solve them. The General Assembly also decided that World Development Information Day should coincide, in principle, with United Nations Day to stress the central role of development in the work of the United Nations.

World Diabetes Day - 14/11/2010

Welcoming the fact that the International Diabetes Federation has been observing World Diabetes Day globally since 1991, with co-sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), the General Assembly, on 20 December 2006, designated 14 November, the current World Diabetes Day, as a United Nations Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2007 ( resolution 61/225 ).

Recognizing that diabetes is a chronic, debilitating and costly disease which poses serious challenges to development, the Assembly encouraged Member States to develop national policies for its prevention, treatment and care in line with the sustainable development of their health-care systems, taking account of internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

The Assembly also invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Diabetes Day in an appropriate manner, including through education and the mass media.

United Nations Day - 24/10/2010

The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter -- 24 October 1945 -- has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday (resolution 2782 (XXVI)).

Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict - 6/11/2010

On 5 November 2001, the General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict ( resolution 56/4 ). In taking this action, it considered that damage to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation.

International Day for Tolerance - 16/11/2010

In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public ( resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); on 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.

World Philosophy Day - 18/11/2010

Celebrated at UNESCO’s initiative every third Thursday of November since 2002, World Philosophy Day will take place this year on 18 November 2010.

World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO to honour philosophical reflection in the entire world by opening up free and accessible spaces. Its objective is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas, as well as to inspire a public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting our society.

Universal Children's Day - 20/11/2010

The General Assembly recommended in 1954 (resolution 836 (IX)) that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and of activity promoting the welfare of the world's children. It suggested to Governments that the Day be observed on the date which each considers appropriate. The date of 20 November marks the day in which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rigths of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

In Australia, Universal Children's Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Wednesday in October.

Africa Industrialization Day - 20/11/2010

Within the framework of the Second Industrialization Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000), the General Assembly proclaimed 20 November as Africa Industrialization Day ( resolution 44/237 of 22 December 1989). The Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.